The Tyrannosaur

Thursday, 31 May 2012

Painting of the day #1

Since classes and exams have finished, I've been getting back into painting. I used to paint all the time when I was at school, and I even went to art college after finishing my GCSEs (I left after a couple of months to go to sixth form so I could get into university instead), but I haven't really done much since leaving home, so I picked up some basic watercolours and some metallic and neon acrylic paints from Ryman's a couple of weeks ago.

I've just been painting and drawing random things so far, but from today I've decided to paint one specific portrait or landscape each day (these will probably almost always be portraits, as I'm mostly inspired by beautiful editorials or street style photos): today's painting comes courtesy of Lookbook.

Source image: Flavia D. on Lookbook.nu

I was drawn to the clashing prints (monochrome spots and stripes being especial favourites of mine) but particularly to the gorgeous yellow coat. I'd recently bought a fantastic neon acrylic paint, so thought this would be the perfect image to crack it open for.

Media used:
Watercolour paints in Lemon Yellow, Crimson Red, Prussian Blue and Burnt Umber
Acrylic paints in Indescent Gold, Indescent Silver and Lemon Yellow

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Photo diary: St Andrews in the sunshine

West Sands beach

I took a short walk through town the other day, taking advantage of the unusually warm weather to give my camera a long-needed dusting off. The weather was absolutely beautiful and it was wonderful to see so many people I had seen suffering in the library, huddled in jumpers and scarves, just a couple of weeks ago now stretching out in shorts and sunglasses and enjoying the sunshine!

St Andrews castle

St Andrews cathedral

The famous Old Course links

I absolutely love living in St Andrews: there's a such a friendly, small-town feel to the place but there's also great expanses of beaches and woodland so I find it difficult to feel any claustrophobia. During semester, it's almost impossible to go to Tescos without bumping into someone you know - which can be both a blessing and a curse! - but it's also great during the summer when the town is filled with eager and excited tourists!